RELUCTANT TO TAKE ACTION

Norwegian woman protests slow probe into sexual assault in city apartment

She was on holiday in Kenya when she was invited to a house where the incident took place

In Summary
  • The suspects, three women and two men known to her, also robbed the victim of cash and a mobile phone
  • They are part of a larger group operating in Kilimani and usually target people for trapping and blackmail, victim claims
Kilimani Police Station
Kilimani Police Station

A Norwegian woman has protested police inaction in a case where she claims to have been assaulted in an apartment in Kilimani area, Nairobi.

Maria Abdisalam was on holiday in Kenya when she was invited to a house where the incident took place.

The suspects, three women and two men known to her, also robbed her of cash and a mobile phone in the drama on July 26.

They body-shamed her by taking naked videos and photos of her.

The men were armed with pistols, she said. 

Abdisalam claimed they have been threatening her and demanding money from her.

She reported cases of robbery with violence, attempted gang rape and assault causing grievous bodily harm at Kilimani Police Station, which was recorded under OB Number 02/26/07/2024.

Abdisalam also processed a P3 Form as required, stating among others, she was sexually assaulted.

But since then, nothing has been done.  

“They have been taking me in circles without explaining the way forward. The suspects are now threatening and warning me against pursuing the matter which I find weird,” she said.

The woman claimed she has since learned the suspects are part of a larger group operating in Kilimani and usually target people for trapping and blackmail.

She also wrote to the Inspector General of Police and Director of Criminal Investigations saying police at Kilimani were reluctant to take action.

Her lawyer Albert Kuloba wrote to the police bosses accusing those at Kilimani of taking sides.

“Upon lodging her complaint, she was asked to obtain the P3 Form, which she duly obtained on July 31, 2024. However, our client has further informed us that no further action has been taken by the police to progress the matter, which is causing her considerable distress,” the letter dated August 16, reads.

Kuloba said given the nature and significance of the matter, an update on the status of the investigation, including any steps that have been taken so far and any anticipated actions, be given within the next seven days.

Kilimani police boss Ben Kobia confirmed the matter had been reported and they intend to summon the suspects on Monday August 19 for processing.

“I understand the matter is under active probe. We will take the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution with recommendations,” he said.

Police asked Abdisalam to report any form of threats to her from the said suspects.


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